Wind energy for kids: a 4th grade pinwheel turbine test

1. Show a picture of a wind turbine. Ask: "Where does its energy come from?" Wind is a renewable resource because it does not run out.
2. Pairs make two pinwheels: cut from each corner toward the center, fold every other point to the middle, and fasten with a brass fastener through a straw.
3. Put a dot on one blade so partners can count the turns.
4. Mark a line on the floor 1 meter from the fan, which an adult sets up and turns on low.
5. Pairs hold each pinwheel at the line for 10 seconds while a partner counts dot passes. Do three trials each and record.
6. Compare: which size spun faster? Ask: "Why do we keep the fan speed and distance the same?"
7. Wrap up: real turbines need steady wind, which is why they are often built in open, windy places.

Safety: an adult sets up and controls the fan, fingers and paper stay away from the fan blades, and scissors are used seated.

Differentiation: students who need support build one pinwheel from a pre-cut template. Students who are ready test a third variable, like distance from the fan, and graph all results. English learners can use "The ___ pinwheel spun ___ times."

Quick check: ask: "If you wanted to test whether blade color matters, what would you keep the same?"

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